Help build a network of Deafblind Support Groups

There are currently 20 Deafblind Clubs in the UK and we would like to open even more……………………………

The groups act as a local, social networking resource for our members, enabling them to share experiences, and enjoy the company of others who understand first hand the debilitating effect deafblindness has on everyday life. The regular meetings offer stability to members and a diary date to look forward to.

Deafblind UK member Linda Jameson has Usher Syndrome which means she was born hard of hearing and in her late twenties, she started to lose her sight too. After struggling to adapt to deafblindness, Linda became involved in one of our support groups in the Grimsby area and now leads it!

‘When I was first told that I was going blind, I felt like a door had been closed on my future. I had two young children and a part-time job as a picture framer. I loved my job, but as my sight deteriorated I could no longer continue to work and spent more and more time in the house as my confidence ebbed away.

Coming to terms with the fact that I was deafblind was very traumatic. I felt isolated, depressed and deprived of communication skills, access to information and the ability to get out of my own home.

Although I was given information about my eye condition by the low vision clinic at the local hospital, it was very hard to get advice about the practical aspects of being both deaf and blind.I spent many months trying to find out what help was available to me.

Through my involvement with a local blind club, I met one of the staff from Deafblind UK who invited me to join a new group especially for people with combined sight and hearing loss.I jumped at the chance to get involved as I wanted to share my experiences with other deafblind people and pass on my new found knowledge of the services and support available to them.

For the past nine years, with the support of 10 other dedicated volunteers I’ve been leading the Grimsby/Cleethorpes Deafblind Club.

"It’s so rewarding to welcome new members to our group and see them rediscover their confidence and appetite for life."

For many of our more elderly members, the club gives them the chance to get out of the house and make friends.We regularly invite guest speakers to the club, go on outings or to a pub for lunch. We’ve even been on holiday to Blackpool and done a sponsored walk for Deafblind UK across the Humber Bridge!

Thanks to the success of clubs such as ours, Deafblind UK wants to establish a nationwide network of support groups for hundreds of other people living with Deafblindness.

Will you help us create a network of support groups where deafblind people can find friendship and advice?